Every SABBS member and Boerboel owner shall be bound to this Code of Conduct relating to responsible dog ownership as detailed below. Therefore they shall:
1.1
Agree to promote a high standard among Boerboel owners and breeders in the pursuit for the preservation, progress and improvement of the breed.
1.2
Accept that on failure to abide by this Code they shall be investigated and dealt with by the Board, as provided for in the Constitution (Clause 7: Resignations and misconduct). In the event of an investigation into possible misconduct, the Board may decide to temporarily withhold all services to the member concerned.
1.3
Inform the office of the Society of all changes concerning contact information, transfer of ownership of dogs, and the demise of dogs registered in their name within 30 (thirty) days of occurrence.
1.4
Provide the best possible health care to all dogs in their possession and on their premises at all times. This includes:
a)
Obtaining immediate veterinary care for sick or injured dogs; taking dogs for regular veterinary check-ups; and ensuring that dogs' inoculations - as prescribed from region to region in South Africa and other countries - are always up to date.
b)
Providing dogs with proper and sanitary housing, and in accordance with local authority regulations in a specific region/country. This includes:
i.
enclosures that are large enough for dogs to move around freely and get sufficient exercise;
ii.
strong fencing to retain and keep dogs safe;
iii.
shelter to protect dogs against the elements of nature;
iv.
enclosures that are easy to clean and that are cleaned and disinfected regularly for protection against parasites and vermin;
v.
placing food and water containers where it is out of direct sun, rain and snow.
c)
Not allowing cruelty to or the neglect of any Boerboel or take part in any dog fighting, and to bring incidences of such involvement by a member to the Society’s attention immediately.
d)
Not selling any dog directly or indirectly to any third party, commercial dog wholesaler, pet shop or pet dealer.
e)
SABBS places a high premium on members’ commitment and responsibility to place dogs with committed and ethical owners. Members are advised to not sell their Boerboels to countries where dog fighting and the slaughtering of dogs for human consumption are practised, and to make confirmed incidences of abuse publicly known.
f)
Taking care that their dogs are not a nuisance or threat to neighbours, visitors and members of the public by making a noise, soiling and not being on a leash and under control in public areas.
g)
Being extremely cautious when children are around animals, and to keep both dogs and children safe by teaching them to respect each other. It cannot be expected of a dog to tolerate a child’s bad behaviour.